The MHK who brought about the end of the Bishop’s vote in Tynwald insists that the historic Diocese of Sodor and Man cannot be abolished or merged without a vote in Tynwald.
Lawrie Hooper made the comments when MHKs were considering a report from the Legislative Council.
Following comments from the Archbishop of York, LegCo’s report said that ending the bishop’s vote makes it likely that the Church of England will consider the future of a separate diocese.
However, Mr Hooper challenged the implication that the change would automatically lead to the diocese’s demise.
He told the House of Keys: “If the church wants to get rid of the Diocese, that is the process they will have to follow… it needs an act of Tynwald.”
He further argued that such an act would be unlikely to pass, adding: “I can’t see Tynwald ever approving an act that would support the abolition of the Diocese of Sodor and Man.”
Following the debate, members passed an amendment affirming the House of Keys’s strong support for the continuation of a separate diocese within the Church of England while later voting to remove the vote.